Meet the Players

Team boss Dave Busst had just established himself in the top flight of the domestic game when he suffered a career-ending injury playing for Coventry City at Old Trafford nine years ago. However, a a move into Southern League management at Solihull Borough put Busst's name among the top young bosses in the non-league game and Evesham secured his services in November 2004 following the departure of Phil Mullen. Paul West had helped oversee the transition and he was offered the chance to become Busst's assistant. The popular former player who turned out more than 200 times for Evesham, brought experience at Football League level with Port Vale, Bradford City and Wigan Athletic when he arrived at the club, while also captaining Morecambe in the Conference. One player who has managed to remain fit is goalkeeper Tim Clarke who brought a wealth of experience to the club when he arrived a couple of seasons ago. "Clarkey" once played for Barry Town against Porto in European competition, while also boasting Coventry City and Aston Villa among his many former clubs. Club captain Lee Knight is another who has seen life at both rungs of the soccer ladder. Having started his career at West Bromwich Albion, the no-nonsense central defender moved down the rankings via Hednesford, Redditch and Solihull before teaming up with his old boss at Evesham. Richard Ball also spent time at the Hawthorns before also tasting life further down the leagues at Bromsgrove, Oldbury, Stourport and Sutton Coldfield before signing for Evesham at the end of last year. Football League experience also features on the cvs of Grant Pinkney and Simon Fitter who spent time at Lincoln City and Kidderminster, while midfielder Gavin O'Toole spent time in the league with Northampton Town and Coventry City. Summer recruit Adam Cooper was among Busst's squad at Solihull where Stuart Hamilton's defensive skills were also to the fore. Cooper has also played in the Con-ference for Nuneaton, while Hamilton is another who numbers Redditch and Moor Green among his former clubs. Moor Green was the last port of call for winger Matty Hall, who also tormented Evesham defenders in a spell at Redditch, and new signing Jae Martin, while the Valley Stadium at Redditch also heralded former times for goalkeeper Dave Adey. Neil O'Sullivan arrived at Common Road last season from fellow Division One West side Bedworth United, while several players have made a huge impression after moving up from lower leagues. Anthony Watson, Players' Player of the Season in his first season at the club last year, arrived from Oldbury where Leon Blake's midfield skills were also honed. Steven Hands and Steve Duncan arrived at the club for second spells from Studley soon after Busst's appointment, while Richard Robinson is another to step up from the Midland Alliance having joined from Stratford after a spell at Moor Green. Another player who has made a big impression and great strides is Jermaine Clarke. The gangling striker is now in his third season with the club after moving from Castle Vale Kings Heath and the 21-year-old's goals and popularity was rewarded last season when he was named Supporters' Player of the Season. Two youngsters also in the squad have both spent time at Hereford United and goalkeeper Karl Lewis and the versatile Jamie Lawrence will be hoping to be given a first team chance.